West Lindsey Churches Festival 2018

Welton (St Mary)

Welcome once again to West Lindsey's Churches Festival. And what a festival we have for 2018. 99 Churches have come together to celebrate their rich diversity. We have churches of all sizes and denominations, some are simple churches serving small hamlets, others are buildings of larger stature, serving our market towns. But all share one thing in common – a warm welcome to everyone over the festival weekends.

The festival is also up and running in social media, with busy Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages and an invitation to visitors to share their experiences and photographs live during the festival using the hashtag #ChurchesFest18.

Lea (St Helen) & Blyton (St Martin)

This year we are commemorating two significant dates in West Lindsey. Firstly it is 100 years since the formation of the Royal Air Force. West Lindsey is an area with a rich aviation heritage and a strong association with the RAF. During WW2 there were 13 airbases in the district. Although only one now remains active - at Scampton. But there is plenty of evidence of the RAF’s existent and none more than in the churches of our parishes.

Visit Welton Mary’s with its memorial stained glass window.

Welton (St Mary)

Or Faldingworth All Saints with its front gates serving as a reminder to the Polish Air Force which were stationed here.

And at Scampton, take time to say a prayer to those brave airmen who went to war, never to return. The churchyard is also the final resting place for nine German airmen who also lost their lives. One cannot fail to be moved by the sight of British and German graves side by side.

Scampton (St John the Baptist) War Graves

It is also 100 years since the end of the First World War. And there is much to be found in our churches to commemorate the brave servicemen who went to War. Be it plaques, stained glass, gravestones or War memorials, once again it will be hard not to be humbled as you witness these.

Other exhibitions will also be in full swing over the weekend: visit Rothwell St Mary Magdalene to see their Wedding exhibition, or learn about local history at Wickenby.

Claxby (All Saints) top & Blyton (St Martin) bottom

Gainsborough St Thomas of Canterbury will have a display of period costumes and Grayingham St Radegund will be exhibiting some of Bishop Edward King’s vestments, on loan from Lincoln Cathedral.

Brocklesby (All Saints) & Nettleham (All Saints)

Once again you will we well nourished at many of our churches as they put on a fantastic feast of refreshments and lunches to whet your appetites.

Riby (St Edmund) top & Nettleton (St John the Baptist) bottom

Ranging from tea, coffee and biscuits to Ploughman's lunches, bacon butties, even full cooked English Breakfasts, there is surely something for everybody!

Morton (St Paul) & Snarford (St Laurence)

So, please enjoy our festival and tell your friends about your experiences here in West Lindsey. We know many of you visit year after year we thank you for your support in making this one of the biggest and best Churches Festivals in the country.

Brocklesby (All Saints) & Stow Minster

Gainsborough (All Saints) top & Southrey (St John the Divine)

Not only are you supporting our church heritage, you are also supporting many of our small villages. And this support will help ensure that the lovely community spirit that binds these rural Lincolnshire villages together stays forever.

The festival is also up and running in social media, with busy Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages and an invitation to visitors to share their experiences and photographs live during the festival using the hashtag #ChurchesFest18.

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Welcome...

... to the blog of West Lindsey Churches Festival, a celebration of Lincolnshire's rich architecture and heritage, of beautiful tranquillity and spirituality, and a welcoming oasis of peace that all our churches offer. West Lindsey's 2018 Open Churches Festival dates are 12-13 & 19-20 May. A record 100 buildings, 750 volunteers, all churches free entry.

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DISCLAIMER

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website, West Lindsey’s Churches Festival Committee can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Information throughout this guide is compiled from details supplied by the organisations concerned. Readers are reminded that these details are subject to change and they are advised to check when finalising their arrangements.